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 |  | Low: Stock Sizes $8-$150 per panel/window |  | Medium: Mass-Produced Custom Sizes $250-$1,700 |  | High: Designer Custom-Sized $100-$1,000+ |
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An alternative to traditional fabric curtains, window blinds can be made of plastic or vinyl, metal, wood, bamboo, and fabric. Window blinds come in a wide variety of styles, including traditional horizontal mini-blinds, vertical blinds, honeycomb, cellular, roller, flat, Roman and inside-the-window-glass. Blinds can also be called shades. Energy efficient blinds save on heating and cooling costs by insulating windows and blocking sunlight.
Typical costs: | - Window blinds can cost from $8-$1,000 and up per window panel. In almost all cases, one blind panel should cover one window. The wide price ranges depend on size, materials, quality, and designer brand name.
- Vertical blinds, mini-blinds, and low-end roller shades in standard sizes, such as 36 inches wide by 72 inches long can cost as little as $8-$12 per window blind, but can be $15-$180 for slightly better quality materials. Lowes[1] offers budget blinds. Target[2] has a wide selection of mid-range blinds from $20-$150 per panel.
- Energy efficient window blinds cost $30-$130 per panel and up, depending on brand name, style, and materials. Moderately priced energy efficient blinds are sold at Bed Bath & Beyond[3] .
- Mass-produced custom-sized window blinds and shades cost $7-$40 per panel for budget mini-blinds, up to $250-$1,700 for motorized controls, high-end woods and fabrics, decorative valances and multiple-blind headrails. For $1,700, expect to receive an unusually large (more than 72 inches wide) custom-sized panel. Motorized controls should be included, and the panel should be made with the finest materials, boasting plenty of optional accents and a designer label.
- Designer custom-sized window blinds and shades cost $100-$1,000 and up, depending on materials and size of the panel. At the lower end of this price range, expect smaller, plain panels made with mid-level wood or fabrics. For $1,000 or more per panel, big-name designers offer solid wood slats, woven silk decorative ladder tapes or a tapeless ladder system. The bigger the blind, the higher the cost. For elegant custom blinds and shades from well-known designers, try a high-end home retailer such as Smith and Noble[4] .
Related articles: Blackout Curtains, Window Blinds, Curtains and Drapes, Interior Shutters
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What should be included: | - Window blinds should include one blind that is wide enough to cover one window, hardware to install the blind, and a cord, rod, hem-pull up, motorized system, remote control system or other item to position the blind. Custom blinds may be 'two-on-one,' that is, two blinds on a single window. Two-on-one blinds can cost more than a single wide blind, depending on the style of controls.
- Vertical window blinds include a valance or headrail from which the slats hang.
- Window treatment specialists such as 3 Day Blinds offer limited lifetime warranties for blinds.
Additional costs: | - Professional installation of window blinds can be done by home improvement stores such as Lowes and window treatment companies including 3-Day Blinds. Installation costs $118 and up, depending on the complexity of the installation.
Discounts: | - Professional installation is not required for most blinds and shades. BobVila.com hosts a number of instructional videos about installing different types of blinds and shades.
- 3-Day Blinds offers a free quote and a discount Internet coupon.
- Check home improvement store websites for promotions, coupons, and discounts on window treatments. Lowes[5] often has online promotions. Bed Bath & Beyond[6] sends out 20% off coupon mailers regularly.
Shopping for window blinds: | - This Old House gives guidelines[7] on shopping for and choosing the right blinds. Several books provide in-depth information about measuring for, choosing, purchasing, and installing blinds, including Window Treatments and Slipcovers for Dummies[8] .
- Home Depot provides instructions[9] for installing different types of blinds.
- Parents of small children should consider cordless blinds or use tassels or inner blind cords for safety. About.com discusses childproofing[10] steps.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Theo in Stoughton, MA. | Posted: March 19th, 2011 06:03AM |
| Size: 32" x 95" | Type: Slat blinds |
| Material: Wood | Brand: IKEA |
| Store : IKEA |
Very inexpensive compared to estimates from other stores (eg, JC Penny). Do-it-your-self was pretty straight forward. Instructions was fairly clear, but illustrations could be better. Able to fairly easily cut size down to the needed 67" with the enclosed instructions. 30min per window |
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External Resources: | - www.lowes.com/pc_Window+Treatments_4294856891_4294937087_
- www.target.com/
- www.bedbathandbeyond.com/search/search.aspx?order_num=-1&sstr=energy+blinds&dim=1&nty=1&
- www.smithandnoble.com
- www.lowes.com
- www.bedbathandbeyond.com
- www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,203269,00.html
- www.amazon.com/Window-Treatments-Slipcovers-Dummies-Hobbies/dp/0764584480/ref=sr_1_1?ie...
- www6.homedepot.com/blindsRedirect/redirectBlinds.html?measure=true
- homeparents.about.com/od/familyhealth/a/childproofing1.htm
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